The Best National Parks In Kenya

I grew up in an extraordinary situation where visiting different national parks around the country was the norm. Whether with family or through school trips, I found myself surrounded by wildlife at least once a year. In fact, it would be safe to say that going to national parks is to Kenyans is what Disneyland is to Americans or going to the beach is for Australians. It’s part of the lifestyle. 

Driving through (or walking through if you’re lucky!) acres of lush savannah at sunrise or sunset is surreal experience. It’s one my favourite ways to connect with nature. The very essence of such an adventure is find harmony with our planet and appreciate the marvel that come before us. If you witness a lion kill or take in the beauty of a leopard lying over a tall branch, these natural acts are a wonder to the human eye.

Of course, I have not been to every single game reserve or conservancy in Kenya, and maybe I never will. However, here is a list of some of the best national parks and reserves in Kenya that are worth a visit if you want to marvel at the country’s breath-taking scenery.

Nine Best National Parks And Reserves To Visit In Kenya

Nairobi National Park

Kenya’s most accessible yet incongruous safari experience lies on the southern outskirts of the country’s capital. At 117 km² Nairobi National Park may be one of the smallest of its kind in Africa, but it is the oldest national park in Kenya and is the only one in the world within city limits. In fact, you drive past parts of these thick woods and deep valleys as you leave Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on your way into the city.

On a clear day, you can see the urban landscape of skyscrapers as a backdrop against the acres of open plains as you come face to face with anything from gazelles and zebras to lions and rhinos. The wetland also gives way to a thriving bird population and dominates the skies in beautiful flocks.

As anywhere else in the world, Nairobi National Park is a victim of urbanisation and corruption – having train tracks running through it since 2014 – which has severally affect the habitat. However, all is not loss as anti-poaching measures and conservation efforts keep the park alive and have given way to creating a rhinoceros sanctuary that is home to the world’s densest concentration of black rhinos.

Maasai Mara

Perhaps one of the most famous natural attractions in the world, Maasai Mara is famed for the great wildebeest migration that takes place across the rivers between Mara (Kenya) and Serengeti (Tanzania) in June and October each year. The gently rolling grassland highlighted, by flat-topped acacia trees and trampled by massive herds of zebras and wildebeest, is the heart and soul of the African Safari experience.

It is here where your dreams actually live up to reality, and the picturesque setting is paradise for the Maasai communities and for the wildlife – having the highest concentrations of the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) on the continent. Naturally, this is also the perfect place to partake in a hot air balloon ride over the savannah. 

In all its glory, a visit to Maasai Mara National Park is quintessential to your Kenyan itinerary.

Tsavo National Park

Kenya’s largest game sanctuary, Tsavo National Park, is 22000 km² of pure safari paradise despite being ound in a semi-arid climate zone. Uncover captivating landscapes flourishing along the Tsavo River as they play home to elephant herds, hippo bloats and many other beautiful animal families.

However, even more exciting is the dramatic natural features that dominate the region. Witness the grandness of the Yatta Plateau, which was formed by the world’s longest lava flow, marvel at the Mudanda Rock and take in wonder of the spectacular Mzima Springs where crystal-clear water flows through volcanic rock.

Tsavo National Park, which is divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, is the perfect place to admire Kenya’s amazing flora and fauna with the unique twist of exploring and environment highlighting the fascinating natural history of the country as well.

Amboseli National Park

With spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s tallest mountain – and a booming elephant population, Amboseli is beloved by locals and tourists alike. There is something quite special about witnessing earth’s gentle giants as they roam the grassland with complete comfort and freedom. Their tusks a pierce the wilderness with power and the surrounding flora and fauna that flourish through the five different habitats on display, ranging from wetlands with sulphur springs to woodlands, are an added bonus to an already incredible attraction.

It is here where I experienced my first hot air balloon ride, and the magic of the land rises into the altitudes to create one the best safari experiences one could have.

Besides the incredibly natural elements of this region, Amboseli National Park is incredibly popular because it is one of the few parks that make for a great road trip due to new and improved infrastructure leading out of Nairobi.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Popular because it protects Lake Nakuru, one of the soda lakes of the Great Rift Valley, visitors of this national park are welcomed by flocks of pearl-white pelicans and stunning pink flamingos – a sight that stretches for are far as the eyes can see. It is a compact park with a picturesque quality thanks to the cascading falls, high cliffs and cheetahs, lions and leopards that roam freely. Best of all, there is a conservation facility that protects almost 100 East African and Southern White rhinos. 

Samburu National Reserve

On the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River in northern Kenya, this beautiful arid ecosystem brings you premier game drives of Kenya’s more rare species of animals, such as the Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and the Beisa Oryx. Samburu is where you want to go if you are searching for something different.

Amongst camel trekking and bush breakfasts, uncover how some of the most rural communities live, and find peace and harmony in its quieter atmosphere – at least when compared to the likes of Maasai Mara and Tsavo.

Chyulu Hills National Park and Game Reserve

Characterised for its location within a prehistoric volcanic mountain range, the rugged terrain of Chyulu Hills consists of rivers that flood seasonally to feed the surrounding plains to give rise to a flourishing habitat. The area hosts a large population of mammals, including the Big Five, and is also home to a large number of poisonous snakes, which you can track on guided tours. 

Tucked away between Tsavo West National Park and Amboseli National Park, Chyulu Hills National Park is often missed by large crowds, which makes it perfect a quiet getaway and find untouched greenery under blue skies.

Sibiloi National Park

Referred to as the cradle of mankind as it lies on the shores of the famous Lake Turkana, Sibiloi is unknown to most travellers, but is well-known within the archaeology community as this where archaeologists have discovered some of the most important fossils of the continent. It is a destination of fascinations for more than its flora and fauna and is in fact, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The semi-desert habitat and open plains flanked by volcanic formations where the remains of a petrified forest can be seen, serves as a stopover for migrant waterfowl and is a major breeding ground for the Nile crocodile. In addition, terrestrial wildlife stripped hyenas, Beisa Oryx, greater kudu and cheetahs are what do look out for.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Named after the existing dramatic cliffs with narrow breaks formed by prehistoric volcanic activity, Hell’s Gate is one of the best natural attractions of Kenya and is only a short drive from Nairobi. It boasts various herbivores and predators, but most importantly, it is one of the few national parks that offers hiking, cycling, and even walking routes alongside the wildlife. Parts of gorge within the park is also open to rock climbing!

Final Thoughts

Are you ready to start planning a safari experience in Kenya, and where would you want to visit first? Or if you have explored all these places, which one was your favourite? 

Personally, I could never choose because each place I’ve visited connects me with different memories. The emotions however, are almost always identical: exhilarated, invigorated and most importantly, happy. That’s what being surrounded by nature does to us. It reminds us of what’s more important and how stepping away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life every once in a while, is healthy and necessary.

Keep In Mind

I wish this was a reminder I would never have to give but, please remember, the only shooting you should be doing near animals is with a camera. Respect the wildlife and those doing their best to conserve and protect Kenya’s beauty.